49

Email this story to a friend

PHILADELPHIA (The Blaze/AP) – The sidewalk lanes for the digitally distracted may be a joke but officials in Philadelphia want the public to know the issue is no laughing matter.

Lines on some sidewalks near City Hall now designate part of the pavement as “e-lanes” suitable for chronic texters and digital music aficionados — although only through the end of the week.

Watch the mayor’s announcement:

The April Fools’ Day prank is one way city officials, in particular Mayor Michael Nutter, are trying to draw attention to the danger of inattentive pedestrians. Philly isn’t the only city taking action against texting and walking. The Utah Transportation Authorities recently instituted a fine against “distracted walking” near its tracks.